Do you feel like you’re always spending too much on printer ink? You’re not alone. Many people buy a printer at a great price, only to find out that replacing the ink costs more than the printer itself!
If you’re trying to save money on printing, the real question you should ask is:
👉 What kind of printer uses the cheapest ink?
In this article, we’ll explain everything in simple terms—what to look for, which printers save the most on ink, and how to cut down on your printing costs.
Why Ink Costs More Than You Think
Some printers are very cheap at first. But they often use small ink cartridges that run out quickly and cost a lot to replace. Over time, you end up spending way more on ink than you did on the printer.
That’s why it’s smarter to choose a printer that uses less ink or lets you refill ink easily. This saves you money in the long run.
Types of Printers and Their Ink Costs
Let’s look at the main types of printers and how they affect your ink spending:
Printer TypeHow It Uses InkIs It Cheap to Run?
Inkjet (Cartridges) Needs new cartridges often ❌ Expensive over time
Ink Tank Printers Refillable ink tanks ✅ Very affordable
Laser Printers Uses toner (not ink) ✅ Good for lots of pages
📌 If you want the cheapest ink option, go for ink tank printers.
Top 3 Printers That Use the Least Expensive Ink (2025)
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2850
- Uses refill bottles instead of cartridges
- Ink lasts for thousands of pages
- Great for home and office use
2. Canon PIXMA G3270 MegaTank
- Uses large, refillable ink tanks
- Very low cost per page
- Good for photos and regular printing
3. Brother INKvestment MFC-J1205W
- Combines tank and cartridge features
- Comes with up to 1 year of ink included
- Simple and cost-effective
These printers may cost more upfront, but you’ll save big on ink over time.
Which printer has the cheapest ink? (2026)
1. The Heavy-Duty Winner: Epson EcoTank ET-2850
Best For: Small businesses and students with high-volume needs.
Why it’s cheap: It comes with up to 2 years of ink in the box. One set of replacement bottles is equivalent to about 90 individual cartridges.
CPP: ~0.2 cents (Black) | ~0.9 cents (Color).
2. The Best Value “Hybrid”: Brother MFC-J1205W (INKvestment Tank)
Best For: Home users who want low upfront costs without the “cartridge tax.”
Why it’s cheap: It uses ultra-high-yield internal tanks. You get the familiarity of a cartridge with the volume of a tank system.
CPP: ~1.0 cent (Black) | ~4.5 cents (Color).
3. The “Zero-Waste” Choice: Brother HL-L2460DW (Monochrome Laser)
Best For: Users who only print occasionally (coupons, shipping labels, contracts).
Why it’s cheap: Unlike ink, toner is a powder that never dries out. You won’t waste money on “head cleaning” cycles that consume 20% of your ink if the printer sits idle for a week.
CPP: ~1.2 cents (Black).
Use this quick-reference table to match your printing habits with the lowest possible running costs.
| Printing Need | Recommended Type | Est. 2026 Cost Per Page (CPP) |
|---|---|---|
| High Volume (Text) (Students / Home Office) |
Monochrome Laser (e.g., Brother HL Series) |
~$0.012 (Stable & Fast) |
| High Volume (Color) (Small Business / Photo) |
Ink Tank (CISS) (e.g., Epson EcoTank) |
~$0.003 LOWEST (Maximum Savings) |
| Low Frequency (Occasional / "Once a Month") |
Low-cost Inkjet (e.g., HP DeskJet) |
~$0.15 HIGHEST (Hidden Long-term Cost) |
As we head into 2026, shifting global trade patterns and rising raw material costs have driven up the prices of hardware and consumables. To hedge against inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions, Winnerjet enables users to secure lower long-term printing costs through our “Pre-pay & Lock” program, ensuring you get the best value before further market fluctuations.
How to Spend Less on Ink
Here are a few tips that can help you save more money:
- ✅ Buy refillable ink instead of cartridges
- ✅ Use draft mode when printing regular documents
- ✅ Print only what you need—avoid wasting paper and ink
- ✅ Keep your printer clean so it doesn’t waste ink with clogs
- ✅ Choose a printer compatible with third-party inks like Winnerjet’s affordable bulk ink
Watch Out for These Hidden Costs
Not all cheap ink is a good deal. Some things to be careful of:
- Tiny ink tanks that run out fast
- Ink cartridges with chips that block other brands
- Printers that stop working with third-party inks
When choosing a printer, make sure it works well with affordable replacement ink, especially bulk ink options like the ones we offer at Winnerjet.
Final Thoughts
If you want to stop spending a fortune on ink, don’t just look at how much a printer costs upfront. Please pay attention to the cost of the ink it uses.
Ink tank printers like Epson EcoTank and Canon MegaTank are your best bet—they offer low running costs and last a long time. For even more savings, use high-quality third-party ink like Winnerjet bulk ink, which gives you great prints without the high price.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Why is printer ink so expensive?
Because printer companies make money from selling ink—not the printers. It’s like razors and razor blades.
Which printer is the cheapest to run?
Ink tank printers (like Epson EcoTank) are the cheapest in the long term.
Can I use non-original ink in my printer?
Yes! Brands like Winnerjet offer bulk ink that works well with many printers at a lower cost.
Is a laser printer better than an inkjet?
Laser printers are better for high-volume printing, but ink tank printers are cheaper for everyday home or office use.
How long does ink last in an ink tank printer?
If you print regularly, a full ink tank can last months, sometimes even up to a year.
